Safety

As deer have lost their inhibitions of humans and densely populated areas, they have taken advantage of an environment that provides sufficient cover, an abundance of food, and freedom from natural and human predators (recreational hunters). Increasing numbers of urban car-deer accidents and excessive damage to landscaping are the most common problems associated with deer in these settings. In addition, concerns of disease associated with an abundant deer population living so closely with humans (e.g. bovine tuberculosis, Lyme disease) also arise.

Are we helpless?

"The native plants are tramped down, the bushes are gnawed, and my three-year-old grandson can't play in the back yard because of the deer droppings. If humans entered our property and exacted such a toll we would have legal recourse We're watching the curb appeal and property value decline at a time when our taxes are rising. We are without defense."
M. Holland, Ann Arbor resident